A-Z Health Topics

Phantom Limb Syndrome

(Phantom Pain; Phantom Limb; Neuropathic Pain)

Definition

Phantom limb syndrome is the perception of sensations, including pain, in a limb that has been amputated. People with this condition experience feelings in the limb as if it were still attached to their body. This is because the brain continues to receive messages from nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb.

Causes

The exact cause of phantom limb syndrome is unknown. It is thought that the sensations are due to the brain’s attempt to reorganize sensory information following the amputation. The brain must essentially rewire itself to adjust to the changes in the body.

Risk Factors

Phantom limb syndrome is more common in adults than in children. Other factors that may increase your chance of developing phantom limb syndrome include:

Preamputation pain

A blood clot in the amputated limb

Preamputation infection

Previous damage to spinal cord or peripheral nerves that supplied the affected limb

Traumatic amputation

Type of anesthesia used during the amputation

Symptoms

Symptoms may occur in people who have had a limb removed and people who are born without a limb. The symptoms are perceived in a limb that does not exist.

Phantom limb syndrome may cause sensations of:

Shooting, stabbing, piercing, or burning pain

Pleasure

An article of clothing or jewelry

The limb still being attached and functioning normally

Numbness, tickling, or cramping

Diagnosis

Following an amputation, it is important to tell your doctor if you experience pain or other sensations. Earlier treatment generally improves the chances of success.

There is no medical test to diagnose phantom pain. You will be asked about your medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will especially want to know about the signs, symptoms, and circumstances that occurred before and after the removal of the limb. Diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms of any sensations from the missing limb.

Treatment

Fortunately, most cases of phantom limb syndrome following amputation are brief and infrequent. For those people who suffer from persistent pain, treatment can be challenging.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend the following to help with your symptoms such as:

Antidepressants

Anticonvulsants

Antipsychotics

Prescription pain medication

Muscle relaxers

Electrical Nerve Stimulation

In some cases, electrical nerve stimulation may be used. Examples include:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—a tiny electric current is sent through the skin to points on the nerve pathway

Transcranial magnetic stimulation—a strong magnetic pulse is sent through the scalp into the brain

Spinal cord stimulation—an electrode is inserted and a small electric current is delivered to the spinal cord to relieve pain

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting phantom limb syndrome, some believe that administering pain medication at the time of the amputation may prevent persistent pain afterward. The effectiveness of this approach has yet to be confirmed.

RESOURCES

Amputee Coalition of America
http://www.amputee-coalition.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.